Suspected abuse of the MBE Program should be reported to the
MBE Liaison within the agency administering the contract or by calling the
Fraud Hotline at 800-544-6056.
Administrative sanctions can be applied for false, fraudulent or dishonest conduct in connection with the MBE Program. These sanctions include, but are not limited to:
- termination of contract
- referral to the Office of the Attorney General for criminal investigation
- initiation of any other specified in the contract or in applicable laws and regulations remedy identified
Any person may file, with MDOT's OMBE, a written complaint alleging that an applicant seeking to be certified or a currently certified firm is ineligible for certification as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and/or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). The complaint, which may be filed at any time, must specify the alleged reasons why the firm is ineligible, and may include any information, documents, or arguments supporting the complainant’s assertion that the firm does not meet the requirements for certification as an MBE/DBE. OMBE will review its records, examine any additional information provided by the complainant and/or the firm, and conduct any investigation it deems necessary. Upon completion of its review and investigation, OMBE will determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the firm is ineligible for certification and issue a written determination that sets forth its findings and conclusions. Additional information regarding the procedures for ineligibility complaints are set forth in 49 C.F.R. §§26.87 -.89 and the MBE/DBE Program Manual, pp. 71-72. Complaints regarding any other matters may be reported using the Fraud Hotline (1-800-544-6054) or submitting in writing to the MDOT's OMBE at 7201 Corporate Center Drive, Hanover, Maryland 20176.
Complaints about a member of the Office of Minority Business Enterprise staff may be reported by phone to MDOT's Office of Audits at 410-865-1166.